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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Trial in Seoul on Insurrection Charges
SEOUL – Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court on Monday to begin his trial on charges of insurrection and treason. The charges arise from his declaration of martial law during a national budget disagreement last December.
Court Appearance and Charges
The 64-year-old former leader arrived at the Seoul Central District Court via underground parking, reportedly to avoid public view, according to Yonhap news agency reports from South Korea.
During the opening session on Monday, state prosecutors presented the indictment against Yoon. He was then given the opportunity to respond to the accusations. Local media outlets indicated that the court was expected to commence hearing testimony from witnesses later in the day.
Martial Law Declaration and Political Turmoil
Charges Stem from Budget Dispute Escalation
The accusations against Yoon are connected to events in December when he announced martial law amidst a contentious dispute concerning the national budget. This action, though brief, caused significant political unrest in South Korea.
Justification and Allegations
Yoon defended his decision by alleging that the opposition was acting against the interests of the state and had been infiltrated by communist elements. However, no substantiating evidence has been presented to corroborate these claims.
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Impeachment and Potential Sentencing
Removal from Office
As a consequence of his actions, Yoon was impeached and subsequently removed from his presidential post by the Constitutional Court on April 4.
Witness Testimony and Denials
Testimony from military personnel indicated that Yoon instructed soldiers to forcibly remove lawmakers from the National Assembly chamber. This action was allegedly intended to prevent a vote that could have nullified the martial law declaration. Yoon has consistently refuted these accusations in public statements.
Possible Penalties
If found guilty, Yoon could face a sentence of life imprisonment. Although the death penalty technically remains a legal option, South Korea has not carried out an execution since the late 1990s.